After a 2020 season that saw COVID-19 hotspots develop in multiple organizations, the NFL hoped experience, knowledge and a high vaccination rate would head off another spate of intense roster infections in 2021.
That hope hit an iceberg this week.
After setting a single-day record for COVID positives across the league Monday, the Los Angeles Rams were forced to close their team facility on Tuesday, while the Cleveland Browns also moved into the league’s enhanced protocols after placing eight players — including four starters — onto the COVID reserve list.